Ayr Scottish Eagles have ended months of speculation by confirming a move to Glasgow.

The Eagles, founded in 1996, are shifting from the Centrum Arena, which has a capacity of less than 3,000, to the 4,000-seat Braehead Arena.

Belfast Giants boss Bob Zeller has been appointed as the club's new managing director.

We have decided to make this move for the continued growth and long term good of the club

Eagles owner Bill Barr

Bob Zeller will continue as a minority shareholder in the Belfast Giants, with chairman Albert Maasland assuming a more hands on role with the Northern Ireland franchise.

"We have decided to make this move for the continued growth and long term good of the club," said Eagles owner Bill Barr.

"Braehead provides us with a much larger catchment area and we're confident we will be able to welcome the bigger crowds and involve more people in supporting Scotland's team and safeguarding its future.

"It is a positive step forward for the team and for ice hockey and I hope our loyal fans from Ayr will make the short trip to Braehead," Barr added.

Bob Zeller, who helped Belfast Giants win the Superleague within two years of their foundation, said: "I will initially be helping to make the Eagles' transition from Ayr to Braehead run as smoothly as possible.

"I am looking forward to working with the team and meeting the fans. The Eagles will be spreading their wings at this much larger arena and I encourage everyone to check out the first home games in September."

Under Superleague corporate rules, Zeller's move means that no Belfast players will be able to play for the Scottish Eagles next season.

Steps will also be taken to prevent the two clubs from meeting in the last fixture of any series of an Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL) competition, except knockout stages.

"The restrictions are intended to preserve the sporting ethic of the league whilst ensuring that those with the expertise, who can play a supportive role in more than one club, may do so," said ISL chief administration officer, Brian Storey.

Steelers make signings

Meanwhile, Sheffield Steelers have added two more names to their roster. The play-off champions have signed netminder Joel Laing and forward Jason Sessa.

Laing, 26, played last season for Wheeling Nailers in the East Coast Hockey League.

Jason Sessa replaces Chris Lipsett in the Sheffield line-up.

He played in the AHL and ECHL last season, ending the year with Dayton Bombers.